Hi hivers, how are you today?
Today I would like to introduce to you a very sacred place that is Tran Quoc Temple. Tran Quoc Temple is located on an island east of West Lake, the largest lake in the capital Hanoi. It is considered the oldest temple in Hanoi with a history of nearly 1500 years. Its name somewhat speaks of its historical value. Tran Quoc means Guardian of the Nation. It was the Buddhist center of Thang Long citadel during the Ly and Tran dynasties. And the architecture of the temple has a harmonious combination of majesty, ancient with elegant landscape amidst the quiet background of an immense lake. With those great historical and architectural values, Tran Quoc temple is famous as a sacred Buddha place, which attracts many tourists and Buddhists inside and outside Vietnam.
Okay, first let me introduce a little about this sacred temple. Tran Quoc temple was originally named Khai Quoc pagoda (National Founding) and was built during the reign of King Ly Nam De (541-547) in Y Hoa village, near the banks of the Red River. During the reign of King Le Trung Hung (1615), the river level rose, it was relocated in 1615 to Kim Ngu (Golden Fish), an islet of Ho Tay (West Lake) where it is now located. In the years 1624, 1628 and 1639, the temple continued to be renovated and expanded. Poinsettias Nguyen Xuan Chinh wrote an essay on this restoration work on a stone stele placed at the pagoda in 1639. Early in the Nguyen Dynasty, The last major repair to the temple was undertaken in 1815 when the main sanctuary, reception hall and posterior hall of the dead were renovated. Over the years, the pagoda was variously named An Quoc (Pacification of the Realm) and Tran Bac (Guardian of the North) as well. The name Tran Quoc from the time of King Le Hy Tong has been known by the people to this day.
In terms of achitecture, Tran Quoc temple is located on the only island of West Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Hanoi and is connected to the mainland by a causeway. In the Hai Ba Trung Dynasty (40 - 43), the area around West Lake was very sparsely populated with small and medium caves and covered with forests, and in the forest there were also a number of rare and precious animals. Experiencing thousands of years of existence of the temple, the landscape here is now completely different. The surrounding area has become the bustling Tay Ho district of Hanoi city. West Lake is now a favorite destination of many people with its surrounding large roads, villas and high-rise buildings...
Like most other temples in Vietnam, the structure and interior of Tran Quoc Temple have an orderly arrangement according to strict Buddhist principles. It consists of many layers of houses with three main houses: forecourt, incense burning house and upper hall connected in the shape of the letter Cong (工). At the Tran Quoc Temple, there are many lotus flower statues. These symbolize purity of the mind, body and speech. The lotus flower also attained enlightenment and achievement. The stone wall at the side of the pagoda has multiple carvings of lotus flowers engraved in the stone. The carvings express the beauty of nature in Vietnam. In addition, I really like the large board where the illustrations are displayed to teach people about the law of cause and effect and filial piety to grandparents and parents.
To this day, the temple is constantly being remodeled and maintained to keep it looking like new. The temple has become one of the must-see destinations for many visitors to Hanoi, especially for Buddhists. Visitors can also donate some money to the merit box to help with its renovation. On the 1st and full moon days of the lunar months, the temple becomes even more crowded. A lot of people come here these days to burn incense. Incense is burned to send wishes to the gods and to receive good luck in return. That's why incense is always burned in this temple. Personally, I really like the smell of burning incense, I don't know why I always feel at peace every time I smell it. Set in the middle of a vast lake and isolated from the surrounding bustling urban life, this temple offers a quiet and fresh space with many trees. That's what I like most about it.
I really enjoyed my time at Tran Quoc temple, and I hope you enjoy it too through these photos. Thank you for taking the time to read my post and have a nice day!